Surviving

I am still here, alive, although the consistency of my posts may say differently.

Just as when I was at home I find myself in a constant search for balance.  How much work time?  How much social time?  How much me time?  I never feel quite in balance, but I am sure that is something that will come with time.

Last week marked the first full week with a set timetable, and the majority of students in class.  It basically felt the first week in September all over again.  I am finding myself struggling with a lot in the classroom and am pretty much in survival mode.  My main goal is to present the required curriculum in the simplest way possible.  It is really hard for me to stop trying to be an "incredible" teacher, and just make it through.  But right now honestly I just need to make it through.

Yesterday was day one of (essentially) week 2, (in actuality it is week 7 of a 16 week term, almost half way there!)  I received two students for their first day, not because they were newly admitted, but because of parent choice to keep them out of school, they both attended this school last year.  I had come in for a few hours on the weekend to prep and at the end of Sunday had the overwhelming feeling that things were not working how I had had them set up.  I stayed after school and completely rearranged the classroom, moved desks (incl. mine), moved bookshelves and cupboards.  Resulting in a layout and organizational methods that should produce positive results.

Monday's schedule should be a cake walk, students have an hour of arabic followed by an hour of ICT (computers), then lunch.  I see them only from 9:45-12:45.  It was just a bad day, I literally gave up at the end of the day and had them sit there and wait until release time (only for about 7 min).  Upon home time  I had about ten kids standing around me asking to go (the bus students whom I forgot to release), I had one father handing me a letter and proceeding to talk for five minutes telling me what was in the letter seemingly looking for an immediate response, meanwhile I am trying to write a note to another students parent who had asked for extra math help, this student was standing over me because his driver was looming in the doorway waiting for him, AND one of my students mother was telling me it was MY FAULT that I did not write the note to her in the pupil planner (that they are supposed to turn in to me daily, this student did not give it to me the day before so I had to write a note to give her spelling score and requested that she bring the pupil planner everyday).  The mother went on and on.  Took all I had not to cry.

Funny that the days staff meeting topic was "Dealing with Arab parents and students."  Which was interesting but more relevant to culture and religion, than pushy parents.

So it was a rough day.  But I know it will get better and it will help me become a better teacher and person.  But days like this make me wonder if I can really be a teacher for the next thirty years!

I had a good yoga workout this afternoon and am heading off to my favorite Thai restaurant.  So in a few hours I should be feeling a lot better.

Thanks again for following, I'll work on being more consistent...

Viv